OCRd book entry or other narrative
M.M., Diploma in Economics and Commerce : Gunner, 42nd Battery, A.F.A., A.I.F., France. Enlisting in September, 1916, and sailing in December, served with 12th Light Trench Mortar Battery from July, 1917, in Messines and Ypres sectors, and from December with 42nd Field Battery in Ypres and Somme sectors until invalided to England in August, 1918, returning in January, 1919. Awarded M.M.* at Villers-Bretonneux. Early education at Marist Brothers' High School, Darlinghurst. * . . . While the forward section of his battery was being heavily bombarded, Gunner Lecchi behaved in a very gallant manner in leaving a place of comparative safety to extinguish a fire which had extended from an adjoining gunpit that had been demolished and threatened to envelop the remaining gun and ammunition. This action undoubtedly saved considerable damage to material and set a splendid example to his fellow comrades.
Visible notes
The letters written to Johnny (a nickname for Herbert Spencer Gardner) who lived next door to Lecchi in North Sydney. Reference is made to Clara (Herbert's wife) and to Mrs/Mr Mac, (Clara's parents) Duncan and Lucy McDonald who all lived in the house.
Copies of the letters were donated by the Thomas family descendants of the Gardner family.